The NBA pre-season is right around the corner. To test the limits of the best, teams are in last-moment preparation mode to get talents signed up for the new season’s trailer. The Minnesota Timberwolves had a busy Sunday as the Western giants have reportedly agreed to terms with two G-League talents, who might be able to revive their NBA careers. One of them is Skylar Mays, a former Laker, who has garnered the attention of the hoops community. But who exactly is Skylar Mays? Let’s dive deep into the athlete’s life!

Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Stan and Shannon Mays on September 5, 1997, Skylar had a keen interest in pursuing football when he was young. However, in 9th grade, he committed to basketball, standing out from his 7 siblings. He went to the Louisiana State University Laboratory School, where he first got to show his talent on the hardwood. Mays eventually moved to Findley Prep, Nevada, and his ball-handling skills sharpened. The point guard’s next destination was LSU (2016-20), where he got real exposure.

In 2018, Mays was selected for the Second-team Academic All-American. This was a year of personal loss as teammate and best friend, Wayde Sims, succumbed because of fatal wounds from a firearm after a freak incident. However, Skylar turned this trauma into fuel for success and made his way into the college’s first team in the next two years. After spending 4 years in LSU, the hooper was finally ready for the bigger league.

Skylar Mays’ NBA career has only room for upward movement!

Initially, in 2019, Skylar Mays had decided to withdraw from the NBA Draft. The 6-foot-4 guard eagerly awaited his chance in 2020 and was picked 50th by the Atlanta Hawks. The franchise signed a two-way deal with him so that he could appear for their G-League affiliate, College Park Skyhawks too. Mays was spotted in the Delaware Blue Coats and Mexico City Capitanes in the following years. Before he could settle there, the Trail Blazers came calling.

Mays was initially given a 10-day contract by the franchise on March 30, 2023. The offer was later modified to a two-way deal. During his second chance, Mays impressed the Portland side in a match against the Kings with his double-double of 18 points and 11 assists. Though they ended up on the losing side, Mays’ spectacular performance coming off the bench was much appreciated. He further got added to the starting lineup because of the squad’s injury troubles.

Mays signed another contract and stayed for a month before being waived on January 6, 2024. The hooper got to suit up for them in 21 games and averaged 6.3 points alongside a smidgen under 2 rebounds and 3.6 assists. Luckily for Mays, the Lakers inked his name two days later for a two-way contract. In the 17 games he appeared for the Purple and Gold last season, his average time dropped to less than 5 minutes. But Skylar Mays tried to do justice to whatever playing time he received.

“It was a quick turnaround, so I’m just still trying to figure names out and get my feet wet,” Skylar Mays said after his Lakers debut. “I’m super thankful to be here. It’s an honor to be here. I’m still pinching myself a little bit, but I’m excited to come in here and learn and get better and see what’s going on here.”

Despite the turbulent times at the Minnesota Timberwolves, this chance in the pre-season would be an opportunity to impress. The franchise is already short on a PG, so it’s a chance for Skylar Mays to get a roster slot, playing deputy to Anthony Edwards, but only after impressing in the pre-season games, starting next month.

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.